PSJHS establishes National Art Honor Society chapter

By Wes Locher

Published: Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 10:11 AM.

Volunteer hours are required for members, most of which will be completed during school. Upcoming projects include collaborations with the Bridges program, the Gulf County Health Department and celebrations in honor of Veteran’s Day.

Hodges said that the new chapter will be recognized in the monthly NAHS newsletter.

The National Art Honor Society was founded in 1978 and specifically designed for high school students in grades 9-12.

The program is meant to inspire and recognize students who have shown an outstanding ability and interest in art.

The NAHS strives to aid members in attaining the highest standards in art scholarship, character, and service, and to bring art education to the attention of the school and community.

Students gain peer recognition, leadership growth opportunities, college and career preparation, and an unmatched sense of camaraderie.

Artistic minds celebrated another success at Port St. Joe Jr./Sr. High School last week.

Teacher Julie Hodges officially opened the school’s chapter of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS), an organization that will allow creative students an alternative way to graduate with honors based on artistic proficiency and merit.

Membership in the organization signifies that through effort, positive attitude and sense of dedication in the study of art, these students have made valuable contributions to the school, community and society.

By opening a chapter, Hodges will be informed of area art shows and will give the students a larger platform to showcase their work.

“I’m trying to bring things in that bigger schools offer,” said Hodges, who will act as the faculty sponsor. “Port St. Joe may be a small school, but we have a big talent pool.”

Hodges said that her own high school had an NAHS chapter and she believes that it gave her an outlet to strive toward excelling in art. Hodges handpicked the students who would have the first opportunity to join based on their passion and talent.

“This is another way that students who are interested in pursuing art-related careers can build their applications for colleges,” said Hodges.

Volunteer hours are required for members, most of which will be completed during school. Upcoming projects include collaborations with the Bridges program, the Gulf County Health Department and celebrations in honor of Veteran’s Day.

Hodges said that the new chapter will be recognized in the monthly NAHS newsletter.

The National Art Honor Society was founded in 1978 and specifically designed for high school students in grades 9-12.

The program is meant to inspire and recognize students who have shown an outstanding ability and interest in art.

The NAHS strives to aid members in attaining the highest standards in art scholarship, character, and service, and to bring art education to the attention of the school and community.

Students gain peer recognition, leadership growth opportunities, college and career preparation, and an unmatched sense of camaraderie.